Shane,
Millvina is certainly the most active of the five remaining survivors. She continues to travel, but told me that she will not journey far from home as she did in the past. She limits her traveling to England and Ireland. Millvina doubts she has the strength to make long journeys across the Atlantic to the U.S. and Canada anymore.
Michel Navratil is doing well, despite advanced age. His memory is failing but he remains well physically. He cannot attend Titanic conventions anymore, nor does his doctor allow him to travel beyond the outskirts of the city he lives in. He still desires to have a daily glass of wine at the rest home where he now resides. I have been in contact with Michel and his daughter, Elisabeth, since we first met back in 1987.
I understand that Lillian Asplund is doing well and Winnifred VanTongerloo is getting older and older I'm afraid. She is almost completely blind but is in generally good spirits at her residence in Michigan.
Perhaps Geoff Whitfield can shed some light on Barbara Dainton. Like Lillian Asplund, Barbara Dainton prefers anonymity with regard to Titanic enthusiasts. Fortunately, Geoff and Brian Ticehurst from the BTS have received communications from her over the past few years. However, Mrs. Dainton still prefers not to attend conventions and other publicity generated events.
I'm sure others will be able to offer their thoughts since many of fellow researchers are also in touch with some of the survivors.
Mike Findlay
